This publication is holding the inaugural Switzerland and Liechtenstein Awards for outstanding performance, both at the institutional and individual level, in wealth management. (To view the full details of these awards, see here.) A crucial part of the process of course is having a panel of judges with the experience and knowledge to assess the entries.

Here is Clive Britton, who is managing director, international development, at Pace Law Firm. He joined the firm early last year following a 27-year career with Barclays Bank, of which 20 years were spent in leadership positions within Barclays Wealth and Investment Management and its predecessor businesses in the Bahamas, Cyprus, London and Switzerland. Most recently, he led the financial intermediaries teams in London and Geneva.

Today, he develops strategic partnerships to support the international distribution of Pace Law Firm's immigration and Canadian wealth structuring and tax planning solutions for HNW individuals.

So what are his thoughts on the state of the local wealth management industry?

“As the Swiss wealth management sector transforms itself into a more resilient and sustainable sector in response to the evolving international regulatory demands and the all too frequent negative spotlight to which it is subject as the globe’s No.1 centre for offshore wealth, Switzerland needs to be less defensive and more proactive in messaging the benefits that this leading wealth management sector brings to the global community,” he said.

“Switzerland should also reach out to seek the combined support of allies to have its voice heard above the cacophony of negative press,” he said.